lifting rearend of 72

Well, if you're looking for extra tire clearance you're a lot better off getting rims with the proper offset to tuck the tires in and keep the ass end down. If it's improved stance and rake you're after, you might want to look at lowering the nose slightly. Speaking from experience, when the back end goes up in the air, the center of gravity moves forward and scary things can happen when/if you slap the brakes, because these things are nose heavy anyway. Air shocks used to be the hot ticket, but the end-results suck from a safe handling standpoint.

Kevin

put a new set of factory springs in it. i boosted mine up and the car has never handled or rode right since. i have a 74 with the 351 w in her and i went with the 351 c springs in the front tooooo stiff now. and airshocks on rear same here to stiff. she sits level all around but the slightest wind and its all over the road. these cars were designed to set low to the ground.  but it your choice they look good sitting up in the rear but forget the handling afterwards

When I had my first 72 back in 81 I also wanted to raise the rear end a bit. I found a pair of springs in the JC Whitney catalog that when installed gave me a 2 to 3 inch lift in the rear. I think they cost around 70 dollars and I know they still sell them. They made it stiff in the back but almost anything to give lift will. Greg

What would couple of Ranchero rear springs do to your car? Well, I do also prefer cutting 1 or 1½ rounds off from the front springs. That worked fine in my '73 Torino. The stance is good ( well...maybe ½ rounds more could be even better? ) and the car still handles well.

but mines to low in the front as it is

I got my springs from NAPA for $100.00. They are variable rate and my car has just a little bit of "rake". A good set of gas shocks is a must!

........while your on the subject, I have a 73 ranchero, 351C.  The guy before me had air shocks, but were removed, just left the lines. My truck seems to be "spongy?". Like being on a boat. It also "leans" to the drivers side. I am not sure where to start........any and all help is appreciated. Thanx,kelly  

Edited by 73 ranchero 500

Thanx Dutch! I will go in that direction after I get done with my other project.....just got done putting new heads on my son's Explorer(long story, please do not ask!), and I am in the process of pulling out the motor in the Firebird to detail engine compartment, but look forward to attacking that next...... I am not sure what kind of wheels they are, I bought the Ranchero off ebay, flew to Phoenix from Corpus Christi, filled 'er up with gas, drove straight home.  Anyway, the wheels have American Racing centers, but the guy told me that they were not AR wheels, so I can't answer that ? They 15"-P225/60R front...P245/60R rear.....will let ya know how it turns out. thanx again,Kelly